For many, a train journey is simply about getting from A-B. Many will simply get on and get off. However did you know that, around the world, and even in the UK! There are many train journeys that turn the trip into something else entirely. With front row views of amazing scenery and mountains or rare unseen places. Below I am going to list some of the best rail experiences around the world
1 Glacier Express, Switzerland:
A slow beautiful winding tour of the Swiss alps. This train takes travellers from St. Moritz to Zermatt, Switzerland. If you love everything winter then this one is for you. With approximately 290 bridges and 91 tunnels to spot along with the breathtaking Mountain views. It doesn’t come cheap unfortunately but there are several cabin grades to choose from whether you’re on a budget or want something a bit more upmarket. Excellence class offers guaranteed window views along with a luxury multi course meal and of course wine thrown in too.
2 The Ghan, Australia
Over to the other side of the world. Where my son happens to live now, We have the legendary Ghan. This is an adventure in itself, lasting a whole 3 days. From Australias Northern Territory, all the way through the outback to Darwin and onto Alice Springs, this is an amazing trip for those wanting to see the real Australia scenery. Uluru, kings canyon, and the salt pans being just a small few of the wonderful sights this trip has to offer. The journey includes all meals, fine wines and even time off the train to explore.
3 The Caledonian Sleeper, UK
Now for one a little closer to home. The Caledonian sleeper takes travellers from London Euston to Fort William in the Scottish highlands. It’s an overnight train, therefore a little cheaper than the previous 2 mentioned journeys. It also happens mainly in the dark and it’s intended for sleeping on. However it’s the morning (waking up) scenery that puts this one on the list. The highlands are remote, the scenery is beautiful, almost untouched greenery, mountains, valleys and hopefully a few highland cows to add to it. They have tiers of cabins or for a budget experience you can also choose a reclining seat.
4) Rovos Rail Walvis Bay to Pretoria journey
Now onto Africa and one of the most luxurious rail experiences. Travellers can enjoy travelling on luxury rail train from Walvis Bay to Pretoria. Experience 3800 miles of raw African terrain. Choose to experience it in deluxe or royal cabins. Many off train excursions included alone with different itineraries to choose from. This is a perfect way to experience the best of Africa. Victoria falls, or Namibia safari, the choice is down to you.
5 The Kandy Route, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a small island off India, boasting natural beauty, cascading waterfalls, mountains, highlands and tea estates. The Kandy route train gives travellers the chance to view the best of this tiny country. It’s slow paced with snacks and refreshments onboard.
6 Lake Titicaca Railway, Peru
The Lake Titicaca Railway journey is a high-altitude. Travelling through the Andes from Puno to Cuzco, peaking at over 14,000 feet. The full journey lasts 10 hours. That’s 10 hours in luxury with fine South American cuisine, drinks and Peruvian scenery taking those onboard across the Andes in style.
The Californian Zephyr
Over to the USA now for a legendary 2438 daily passenger train. This will take you from Chicago to San Francisco Bay in either direction with major stops in between including – Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno. For those wanting to do the whole journey, it’s a 52 hour ride. Views of the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada and many other scenic places included. Suited to all budgets with choices of cabins or coach seats.
8 Eurasia rail & sea route
This one differs from the rest being it’s not just one train journey but multiple and also includes some travel by water. Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to travel from Europe to Australia without a plane? Well yes it’s certainly possible. There’s a few ways to do it such as trains through Europe onto Turkey or through Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan then onto China. From China it would be a ship of some sort onto Australia.
This journey is for the hardcore traveller. It’s a very long trip, often taking 2-3 months, depending on how much you wish to explore other countries on the way. It can also be expensive requiring multiple train and ship tickets, also hotel stays inbetween, food, drinks, laundry costs. There’s also extensive visa requirements to consider for each country you reach and of course travel restrictions and elements of danger for different places too. It requires a lot of planning. There are travel companies who sell trips such as this too, tho many travellers prefer to do it themselves.
I hope you have enjoyed my train journey post. Please let me know if you have done any of these experiences, or others in the comment section below.
